Communication system



Oct. 4, 1938. H NlCHOLS 2,131,920-

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM Filed May 12, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet l Tmma K Y X {NENTOR ag/Z A TTORNEYS.

Oct. 4, 1938.

H. J. NICHOLS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM Filed May 12, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 7.

FIG. 8.

A'TTORNEY Patented Oct. 4, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COMIVIUNICATION SYSTEM Application May 12, 1937, Serial No. 142,093

9 Claims.

5 copending application Serial No. 759,933, filed December 31, 1934.

It is the principal object to provide in a very simple and efiective manner for the measure-' ment of the time required for the transmission of messages in a printing telegraph system and also to provide for the printing of time indications showing the time of transmission of such messages.

It is a further object to provide a time printing mechanism adapted to print time indications at the beginning and end of a typed message directly on the face of the message, such indications showing the time required for transmission.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus whereby the printing at the sending end of a printing telegraph system, in addition to printing time indications on the original of the message, will transmit the proper signals to cause the same indications to be printed on the received copy at the receiving end of the system, so that the original and the received copy each show the elapsed time of transmission of the message.

It is also an object to provide a system for quickly and easily indicating thesummation of time required for the transmission of a series of messages, sent either continuously or intermittently.

Other objects and features will be in part.

obvious, and in part hereinafter pointed out in connection with the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Certain types of printing telegraph messages are charged for on the basis of the time required for the originating operator to transmit the message. The presentpractice is for an operator at the control office of the communication company to time the message in the same general manner that long distance telephone messages are timed; or in some cases of large installations, the originating operators stamp each message sheet in an automatic time stamp just before the sheet is inserted in the transmitting printer, and immediately upon withdrawal therefrom. From the time stamps, the time required for transmitting the message is computed for service charge purposes.

In another class of printing telegraph service,

called the serial number service, service charges are based on the accumulated time of a series of messages. The invention aflords means for the automatic summation of the time of a series of messages.

In accordance with the present invention, each original message may have the time groups printed thereon at the proper points for computation of the time of transmission, and the received copy have printed thereon the identical time groups. Consequently, the possibility for differences as to time charges between the customer and the communication companies is minimiz'ed.

A fuller understanding of this invention will be had upon reference to the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows schematically the circuits and apparatus of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1a is an end view of the clutch actuating mechanism of Fig. 1 shown in the engaged position.

Fig. 1b is similar to Fig. 1a, but shows the clutch actuating mechanism in released position;

Fig. 2 shows a detailed side view in part section of the cyclometer mechanism and decimal switching mechanism schematically indicated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the mechanism of Fig. 2 taken along the axis 3-3 as indicated;

I Fig. 4 is an end elevational view of the mechanism of Fig. 2 as viewed from the right hand end thereof;

Fig. 5 is a detailed view, in part section, of the tenths decimal switch structure of Fig. 2, show-' ing the arrangement of the contacts;

Fig. 6 is a detailed view in part of the sequence mechanism start-stop pawl arrangement;

Fig. 7 shows in part one form of printing telegraph unit;

Fig. 8 shows diagrammatically the embodiment of the present invention in a synchronous communication system.

In the several figures, like characters represent like parts.

Referring now to the drawings, which show a. preferred embodiment of the invention, the timing key TX is mounted on the printer keyboard in the same manner as the printer actuating keys, as for example the numeral keys to 9 inclu- 60 sive, the "2 and keys on y bein Shown illustrative purposes. The printer actuating ey operate the printer mechanism, and also function to transmit printing signals to the receiving I printer as indicated by the switch contacts 2', 5,

etc. shown beneath the printer actuating keys. The timing key does not actuate the printer mechanism, but functions only to close contacts l0 and thus the local timing circuit. Each printer actuating key is provided with a key solenoid 2, l5, etc. which when energized pulls the key down, thus actuating the printer mechanism.

The principal elements of the timing mechanism are the drive shaft 20, the sequence switch 30, the clutch 40, the cyclometer 50 and the decimal switch 60. Drive shaft 20 is driven by a constant speed motor (not shown) which also constitutes the drive means for the synchronous mechanism of the printer. Hence drive shaft 20 rotates at a known speed, which may be assumed for illustrative purposes as 450 R, P. M. Drive shaft 20 is divided into two sections, namely continuous section 20a. and intermittent section 20b. Section 20a is in continuous rotation, while section 20b rotates only when coupled to section 29a by clutch 40, in which case its rotation is the same as that of section 20a. Section 20a is steppivoted in section 20b by a pin and socket hearing or in other preferred manner. Drive shaft 20 is shown broken into sections for clarity in illustration.

Fixed on drive shaft section 20a is a wheel 2| with resilient rim 2|a of rubber or the like. Mounted adjacent thereto on parallel shaft 32 is friction cam 33 adapted, when released, to engage Wheel 2| and thus to rotate sequence switch 30. Sequence switch 30 is shown cut into two sections in order to clarify the drawing. The sequence switch comprises friction cam 33, sequence cam 33a integral therewith, contacts 34 and 35, and motional control means. Friction cam 33, provided with, a knurled edge with a shallow notch at the point normally adjacent wheel 2|, is normally held out of engagement with wheel 2| by pivoted pawl member 36 provided with two turned-down prongs, one positioned in advance of the other, either one of which can engage pin 33c mounted in the upper face of friction cam 33, depending upon the position of the pivoted pawl member. Accelerating spring 31 bears against pin 33d mounted in lower face of cam 33 and tends to rotate cam 33 in the direction indicated by the arrow. Pawl 36 is actuated by release magnet 39, whose armature 39a is pulled in when release magnet 39 is energized, oscillating pawl 36 by means of link 39b.

The operation of sequence switch 30 is as follows: When timing key TK is depressed, contacts ID are closed, and the local timing circuit energizes release magnet 39. The circuit may be traced from positive battery, via contacts l0, through winding 39 and return to negative battery. Armature 39a pulls in, pulling pawl 36 to the right as-viewed. Pin 330 is thus released, freeing friction cam 33 whereupon accelerating spring 31 rotates cam 33 into engagement with wheel 2|. Cam 33 is rotated by wheel 2| almost an entire revolution, whereupon pin 330 is stopped against one or the other of the prongs of pawl 36, depending upon whether timing key TK is released or held. At this point cam 33 is free of wheel 2|, and accelerating spring 31 has been reset. held, pin 330 will strike the extended prong 36a of detent 36; upon release of timing key TK, release magnet 39 is deenergized, armature 39a is pulled away by tractile spring 390, and pin 33c drops back against the short prong 36b of pawl 36, restoring initial conditions. Thus drive cam 33 makes but a single revolution for each actua Assuming that timing key TK has been tion of timing key TK, irrespective of the time TK is held depressed. During the revolution of friction cam 33, sequence cam 33a closes contacts 34 and 35 in proper sequence and with the proper interval between closures.

Referring now to Figs. la and 1b, as well as Fig. 1, fixedly mounted on drive shaft section 200 is fixed flange 4| of positive clutch 40, while movable flange 42 is carried on a sleeve slidable axially on drive shaft section 20b and secured against rotation thereon by pin 200, or other preferred means. Throw out pin 42a is mounted in flange 42 in a position to be engaged by trip lever 43, which latter is fixed on rock shaft 44. Fixed on one end of rock shaft 44 is shift plate 44a. with studs 44b and 440 mounted diametrically as regards the axis of shaft 44, as clearly shown in Figs. 1a and lb. A cover plate 45 is riveted on the heads of studs 44b and 440, and mounted thereon by stud 45a is spring finger 45b. Shift head 46, which is T-shaped, works between studs 44a. and 44b. The free end of spring finger 45b slides in a hole in stud 46a mounted on the stem of shift head 46. Tractile springs 41a and 41b move shift head 46 to the extended position, as shown in Fig. 1a. Jockey spring 48 retains shift plate 44a in its alternate positions. Shift head 46 is actuated by magnet 49, but if preferred, may be actuated by release magnet 39, since both magnets are energized from the same circuit at the same time.

The operation of the clutch mechanism is as follows: Assuming for the sake of illustration that Fig. 1a represents initial conditions, upon depression of timing key TK shift head 46 is drawn to the right as viewed. As indicated, spring finger 45b has previously lifted shift head 46 into engagement with stud 44b, hence as the shift head is drawn to the right, shift plate 44a, rock shaft 44, and trip lever 43 are rotated clockwise. Trip lever 43 releases trip pin 42a, thus enabling spring 20d to engage the clutch faces. Drive shaft section 20b is thus set in rotation by, and at the same speed as, section 20a. Trip lever 43 is moved clear of the path of trip pin 42a as shown in Fig. 1b, and is held in position by jockey spring 48, hence there is no interference with the rotation of the drive shaft. Upon release of TK, shift magnet 49 is deenergized, and tractile springs 41a and 41b return shift head 46 to extended position. The tilting of shift plate 44a during actuation has, however, caused spring finger 45b to exert a downward pressure upon stud 46a, hence the shift head is moved into engagement with stud 440, as shown in Fig. 1b.

Without further analysis, it will be evident that upon successive draws of shift head 46, trip lever 43 will be moved into alternate positions of release and engagement with trip pin 42a, and will be retained in such positions between shifts by jockey spring 48. When trip lever 43 is moved into engaging position, trip pin 42a strikes the inclined surface at the end of trip lever 43, and the movable flange of the clutch is drawn away from the fixed flange. As soon as the clutch faces are clear of each other, trip pin 42a is stopped against the notch in trip lever 43. For further detailed description regarding the principle embodied in the clutch actuating mechanism just described, reference may be made to U. S. Patent No. 2,049,468, particularly Figs. 5 and 6, which show and describe specifically mechanisms embodying such principles.

It is to be noted that the clutch operation, as well as that of the sequence switch, is produced by tripping action, and proceeds irrespective of the length of time of depression of timing key TK. In the case of the sequence switch, the same cycle of operations results from eachdepression of the timing key, while the clutch is alternately released and engaged by successive depressions of the timing key.

Referring now to Fig. 2,"drive shaft 20b, when coupled to the drive section, drives countershaft by means of worm 20g and worm gear Ila. Countershaft 5| is hollow, and rotates on jack shaft 52. Integral with countershaft 5| is the first cyclometer gear Mb. The first cyclometer gear is a one tooth gear and at one point each revolution meshes with pinion 53a, loose on auxiliary shaft 54. Pinion 53b, integral with pinion 53a, meshes with the second cyclometer gear 55a, which is a ten tooth gear. The third cyclometer gear 555, integral with gear 55a, is a one tooth gear, similar to 51b, and meshes with pinion 56a. Pinion 65b, integral with pinion 55a, meshes with the fourth cyclometer gear 51 which is a ten tooth gear. Fig. 3, taken through line 3-3 of Fig. 2, thus represents the odd numbered cyclometer gears, while Fig. 4 represents the even numbered cyclometer gears.

The design and operation of cyclometer trains is well known, hence detailed description is not-- required. It will sufllce for an understanding of the present invention to-state that in the transfer from one cyclometer gear to the following one, a reduction in speed of to '1 is accomplished, and that the rotation of the gears, except the first gear, is intermittent. For example, the second gear is rotated one, tenth revolution each time the single tooth of the first gear engages the pinion, but remains at rest during the remainder of the revolution of the first gear, and so on through the train.

The cyclometer train may be designed to enable the recording of minutes and tenth minutes, or minutes and tens of minutes, or any other desired units of time, such matters being well understood by those versed in the art. By way of explaining the present invention, and as an example, it will be assumed that the time groups to be printed are to represent minutes and tenths of minutes. In this case, the first cyclometer gear should rotate once every tenth minute, or at a speed of 10 R. P. M. Since the main drive shaft rotates at 450 R. P. M. the worm gear should have a ratio of 45 to l. The second and third cyclometer gears will rotate at 1.0 R. P. M. hence each tenth division will represent tenths of a minute. The fourth cyclometer gear will rotate at a speed of one-tenth R. P. M., hence each tenth division will represent one minute.

Mounted on the right face of cyclometer gear 551), but insulated therefrom, as for example by insulator disk 58, is the rotary contactor element SI of the tenths decimal switch. This element comprises a metal cup Bla, and a metal finger Gib mounted thereon by suitable means, such as small rivets. Exterior electrical connection is made to cup 6la by brush 62 bearing on the rim thereon. Brush 62 and all other parts in the electrical circuit are preferably insulated from the frame. Rotary contactor element 63 of the units decimal switch, which is similar in construction to element BI, is mounted on the left face of cyclometer gear 51, and connection is made to it via brush 84 in the same manner as before.

The stationary contacts 66 of the decimal switch, ten in number, are mounted in insulator plate 55 in any preferred manner, as for example by moulding in position (see Figs. 2 and 5). Plate 65 is rigidly held intermediate contactors GI and 53; plate 65 also supports the brush holders for brushes 62 and 54. The connections to stationary contacts 65 and to brush 62, as related to Fig. 1, are indicated in Fig. 5. The same set of contacts are contacted by the two contactor elements, but for clarity in illustration the stationary contacts are shown separately in Fig. 1. Each divisional advance of the cyclometer gear moves a contactor element to the next contact, hence in one revolution of an intermittent cyclometer gear all of the contacts will be connected in circuit in sequence.

Referring again to Fig. 1, the complete operation of the timing mechanism is as follows: Assume that the operator has inserted a sheet of paper in the printer, and having completed the preliminary calling procedure, is ready to type the message proper. The operator then depresses the timing key. This closes contacts [0 and energizes release magnet 39 and clutch magnet 49. Release magnet 39 pulls aside detent 36, releasing friction cam 33 which engages wheel 2| and is set in rotation thereby. Sequence cam 33b closes and releases contacts 34, and thereafter, contacts 35. Contacts 34 close a circuit energizing one of the key solenoids, the selection of which is controlled by the units sequence switch. As an example, a circuit may be traced from negaive battery via contacts 34, via contactor 63 of the units switch, via contact 5, through key solenoid l5, and return to positive battery. Key solenoid I5 is energized, pulling down numeral key 5. This latter action actuates the printer mechanism and closes key switch 5 which transmits a printing signal (by means of any desired transmitting mechanism) to the receiving printer, which printer also prints the number 5 on the receiving copy, see Fig. 8.

When contacts 35 are closed a short time later, a circuit through the tenths" switch is set up which may be traced as follows: from negative battery via contacts 35, via contactor 6i and contact 2, through winding of key solenoid l2 and return to positive battery. Numeral key 2 is thus depressed, actuating the printer mechanism to print numeral "2 and also transmitting a printing signal to the receiving printer which likewise prints numeral 2. Thus both the original and received copies of the message bear the time group 52, translatable as 5.2 minutes.

Meanwhile, upon the energizing of clutch magnet 49, positive clutch 40 is engaged, and the cyclometer mechanism is started up, advancing the decimal switches as previously described during the transmission of the message proper as above explained, the transmission system may make use of any desired apparatus and method, such as the coded impulse or the synchronous system, as the present invention is not restricted to any particular transmission system.

At the end of the message, the operator again depresses the timing key, and a second time group, corresponding to the position of the cyclometer at this time, is printed on the original and received copies of the message, according to the method just described. Assume that this second time group is 98; then subtracting the first time group 52, it is determined that the elapsed time of transmission is 4.6 minutes, and the time charge for service is thus established. As before, clutch magnet 49 is energized at the same time as the release magnet, but this time the positive clutch is thrown out of engagement, as previously described, stopping the cyclometer train.

Between messages, the cyclometer train is not actuated, hence the first time group of the next succeeding message will be the same as the second time group of the prior message. Thus the accumulated time of a series of messages can be obtained by subtracting the first time group of the series from the last time group, each individual message showing its own time of transmission.

For simplicity in description, only two decimal switch groups have been shown. It will be clear, however, that by adding another unit assembly to the cyclometer train, another decimal switch group, and an another set of contacts to cooperate with the sequence cam, the range of the mechanism can be extended to record tens, units, and tenths of a minute, or by suitable change in the worm gear ratio or motor speed, hundreds, tens, and unit minutes.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that well known setting and set-back devices may be added to the cyclometer train to cause the time groups to represent clock time, or to start each message from zero time. Such variations, following the teaching of the present invention, can be introduced to meet the requirements of particular applications. The general method of using arbitrary time groups herein described for illustrative purposes has the merit of relative simplicity, and is generally to be preferred on that account.

Referring now to Fig. 8, one type of signal transmitting and receiving system is shown embodying the time control system. A transmitting distributor 10 is provided at the sending station and comprises, in general, a plurality of rotary brushes 'Il, adapted to engage successively the individual conducting segments '12. The brushes are rotated by a motor (not shown) so that whenever the individual circuits connected to the corresponding segments are closed, a timed signal is transmitted over the transmission medium shown as line conductor connected to the common conducting ring 13. The individual key contacts 2', 5' etc. are included in the said individual circuits which in turn are connected to a common source of supply shown as battery M. Therefore, it is evident, whenever the timing key is depressed to. effect energization of the key solenoids l2, l5, etc., the operation of the corresponding key bars causes not only the time indications to be recorded at the sending station, but simultaneously causes corresponding timed signals to be initiated and imparted to theTine.

At the receiving station, typewriter mechanism is provided similar to that at the sending station and shown generally to comprise the controlling keys !5, the operations of which are controlled by the associated solencids l2a, I5a, etc. The said solenoids are connected to a common ground and individually'to the separate conducting segments 16 of the receiving distributor TI. The distributor is similar to the one provided at the sending station and is adapted to be oper-- ated in synchronism therewith; that is, the brushes 18 which are rotated by a motor (not shown) and adapted to engage the conducting segments 16 successively, are rotated in exactly the same timed relationship as the brushes ll of the transmitting distributor, so that when a character signal is initiated at the sending station, for example, the numeral 2, the signal imparted to the line is-effective to energize the circuit for the 2 key at the receiving station. This operation just described is well known in theart and it is deemed not necessary to describe the signal transmission system in further detail.

Referring now to Fig. 7, a particular type of typewriter mechanism, such as the Electromatic, is shown and which may be employed in the signal transmission systems referred to hereinabove. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, well known means are provided for actuating the type bars (not shown) by power operated devices comprising a power driven roller 80. A cam 8| is pivoted on one arm of a bell crank lever 82 pivoted in the frame, the other arm of which is operatively connected with one arm of a bell crank lever 83 by means of link 84. The other arm of lever 83 is connected to the type bars in a well known manher.

The lever 82 is actuated by the cam 8| when the latter engages the driven roller to be operated thereby. The engagement of the cam 8| with the power roller is controlled by means of the key lever 85 in a manner now to be described.

The cam BI is resiliently engaged by a springpressed arm 86 which tends to turn it into engagement with the power driven roller or stop 81 on a lever 88 pivoted on the bell crank 82 and normally arranged in the path of a lug on the cam. When the lever 88 swings to move its stop out of the path of the lug on the cam, the arm 86 swings the cam into engagement with the power roller to be actuated thereby to swing the bell crank 82 to actuate its connected mechanism. The lever 82 has an arm 89 which is provided with an offset projection 98 at its end which projects laterally through an opening in the bell crank 82 and engages the bifurcated lower end 9| of a key lever 85 pivoted on the common rod 92.

It is obvious then that depression of "a key lever 85 releases the revolubly mounted cam 8| to engage and be actuated by power roller 80 in turn operating bell crank lever 82 and its attached links to cause the associated mechanism, such as the key bars and other operating mechanisms. Attached to the key lever 85 is shown the solenoid l2 disposed beneath the keyboard so that upon energization of the said solenoid the connected key lever is depressed to operate the connected instrumentality in the manner just explained.

While there has been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a single modification, it

will be understood that various omissions and substltutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention therefore to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. A system of the character described comprising, in combination, a sending and receiving station, each of which is provided with typewriting mechanism having printing instrumentalities and control keys therefor, a selectively settable timing mechanism at the sending station, means to control the operation of the control keys of the sending typewriter to print a time indication corresponding to the setting of the timing mechanism, means controlled by the keys of the sending typewriter upon operation thereof to transmit control signals, and means responsive to the signals to control the keys of the receiving typewriter to record the time indications corresponding to those recorded at the sending station.

2. A system of the character described comprising, in combination, means including control instrumentalities to transmit character signals, remotely situated recording instrumentalities and means responsive to the signals .to control the recording instrumentalities in accordance with the signals, selectively settable timing mechanism, and means to control the operation of the control instrumentalities in accordance with the setting of the timing mechanism to transmit signals in accordance therewith and thereby control the operation of the said recording instrumentalities accordingly.

3. A system of the character described comprising, in combination, sending typewriting mechanism having printing instrumentalities and control keys therefor, means controlled by said keys to transmit control signals in accordance with the operated keys, receiving typewriting mechanism having printing instrumentalities and control means therefor, means responsive to the said signals to control the operation of said control means, selectively settable timing mechanism, and means to control the operation of the said control keys in accordance with the setting of the timing mechanism to record the time indications and to transmit representing signals in accordance with the recorded indications thereby controlling the receiving typewriting mechanism accordingly.

4. A system of the character described comprising, in combination, sending typewriting mechanism having printing instrumentalities and control keys therefor, means controlled by said keys to transmit control signals in accordance with the operated keys, receiving typewriting mechanism having, printing instrumentalities and control means therefor, means responsive to the said signals to control the operation of said control means, selectively settable timing mechanism, and means to control the operation of the said control keys in accordance with the setting of the timing mechanism to record the time indications and to transmit simultaneously representing signals in accordance with the recorded indications thereby controlling the receiving typewriting mechanism accordingly.

5. A system of the character described comprising, in combination, sending and receiving typewriting mechanisms each having control means therefor, means controlled by the sending control means upon operation thereof to initiate control signals to control the operation of the receiving control means to operate the receiving typewriting mechanism accordingly, selectively settable timing mechanism and operating means therefor, and additional means, upon operation thereof, to control the operation of the sending control means in accordance with the setting of the timing mechanism and simultaneously to render the operating means operative to alter the setting of the timing mechanism, operation of the said sending control means is effective to record the time indications at the sending mechanism and receiving mechanism, and upon a second operation of said additional means the sending control means areoperated to effect recording at the sending and receiving mechanisms of the time indications in accordance with the altered setting of the timing mechanism and also to render inoperative the said operating means to prevent further setting of the timing mechanism.

6. A system of the character described comprising, in combination, a sending station and a receiving station, each provided with recording instrumentalities and control means therefor, means controlled by the said control means at the sending station to control the operation of the corresponding said control means at the receiving .station, selectively settable timing mechanism,

'the said sending mechanism, and means controlled by said key to control the operation of the sending control means to' effect recording of the time indications in accordance with the setting of the timing mechanism on both the sending and receiving mechanism.

8. A system of the character described comprising, in combination, sending and receiving printer mechanisms, each having recording instrumentalitiesand control means therefor,means controlled by the sending control means to control the operation of the corresponding receiving control means,'selectively settable timing mechanism and operating means therefor, a timing control key associated with the said sending mechanism, and means controlled by said key to control the operation of the sending control means to effect recording of the time indications in accordance with the setting of the timing mechanism on the sending and receiving printer mechanisms and simultaneously to render operative the said operating means to alter the setting of the timing mechanism.

9. A system of the character described comprising, in combination, recording instrumentalities and control means therefor, means controlled by the said control means to initiate corresponding control signals, selectively settable timing mechanism and operating means therefor, and additional means, the successive operation of which renders the operating means for the timing mechanism operative and inoperative respectively and also controls the operation of the recording instrumentalities control means in accordance with the setting of the timing mechanism at the times of operation of the said additional means, thereby recording the corresponding time indications and initiating corresponding control signals.

HARRY J. NICHOLS. 

